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Cooper Landing Alaska
Location and Climate
Cooper Landing is at the west end of Kenai Lake on a
stretch of the Sterling Highway, 30 miles northwest of
Seward in the Chugach Mountains. Cooper Landing is located
in the Seward Recording District. The area encompasses 54.8
sq. miles of land and 5 sq. miles of water. January
temperatures range from 4 to 22; July temperatures vary from
46 to 65. Average annual precipitation is 20
inches.
History, Culture and
Demographics
Between 1848 and 1851, Russian engineer P. Doroshin
found gold in the area. Cooper Landing was named for Joseph
Cooper, a miner who discovered gold here in 1884. Cooper
Creek was first recorded in 1898 by the U.S. Geological
Survey. In 1900, the Census found 21 miners and 1 wife
living at Cooper Creek. The Riddiford Post Office began
operations in 1924, and the Riddiford School opened in 1928.
In 1938, a road was constructed to Seward. In 1948, a road
to Kenai was opened, and by 1951, residents could drive to
Anchorage. The Cooper Landing Community Club was first
formed in 1949. The Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Facility was
constructed in 1959-60.
Alaska Natives represent
1.2% of the population. The Cooper Landing Community Club is
involved extensively in local development issues and is an
advocate for residents' concerns. The population of the area
nearly doubles each summer to support tourism businesses and
activities.
During the April 1990 U.S.
Census, there were 281 total housing units, and 180 of these
were vacant. The official unemployment rate at that time was
0%, with 98 jobs estimated to be in the community and 53.8%
of all adults not in the work force. The median household
income was $42,250, and 3.6% of residents were living below
the poverty level.
Economy and
Transportation
The economy of the area is diverse. Tourism-related
employment and seasonal businesses provide the majority of
employment. The 70-room Kenai Princess Lodge accommodates
Princess cruise ship passengers and other tourists. Chugach
Electric Association and the School District are significant
employers. Five residents hold commercial fishing
permits.
The Sterling Highway
provides access to Anchorage and beyond. Kenai offers air
transportation and docking facilities. A privately-owned
boat launch is available. The State-owned Quartz Creek
Airport provides a 2,200' gravel runway, and float planes
may land at Cooper Lake.
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Source: Department of
Community & Economic
Development
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